Overview of the Role of Glucagon like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects premenopausal women. It is a multifactorial disease that involves hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, insulin resistance and genetic factors. Women with PCOS present with menstrual disorder, hirsutism, and obesity. Diagnosis of PCOS involves evidence of ovulation dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, either physical or biochemical, and ultrasonographic evaluation of the ovarian morphology. There is no single treatment for PCOS but rather it is a symptom-oriented management. Glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are insulin sensitizers usually involved in the management of PCOS.

Aim: This article aims to review the evidence regarding the role GLP-1 RAs in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Conclusion: GLP-1 RAs found to improve PCOS outcomes in the form of increasing menstrual frequency, reducing androgens levels, higher pregnancy rates, weight reduction, and improving insulin resistance. Mild and transient adverse events were observed such as nausea, diarrhea, headache, insomnia and mild hypoglycemic events. However, long term studies are required to assess long term effect of GLP-1 RAs and its safety during pregnancy.